Translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan & Dr. Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali
The Sentence that comes from Me cannot be changed, and I am not unjust to the slaves."
Word by Word — Arabic, Transliteration & Meaning
مَاmāNot
يُبَدَّلُyubaddaluwill be changed
ٱلْقَوْلُl-qawluthe word
لَدَىَّladayyawith Me
وَمَآwamāand not
أَنَا۠anāI Am
بِظَلَّـٰمٍۢbiẓallāminunjust
لِّلْعَبِيدِlil'ʿabīdito My slaves
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim — Hafiz Abdus Salam Bin Muhammad Bhutvi
Tafsir al-Quran al-Karim is a 4-volume Quran commentary by Hafiz Abdus Salam bin Muhammad Bhutvi, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar and Sheikh ul-Hadith from Pakistan. Based on over 45 years of teaching and research, this tafsir follows the methodology of Tafsir bil-Ma'thur — interpreting the Quran through authentic Hadith, statements of the Companions, and the understanding of the early generations (Salaf). It is distinguished by its complete avoidance of Israeliyyat (Judeo-Christian narratives) and unverified reports. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
(Ayah 29) ➊ { مَايُبَدَّلُالْقَوْلُلَدَيَّ:} That is, the decision I have made to cast you into Hell cannot now be changed. See also the commentary of Surah Sad (84, 85) for further details. Another interpretation is that no one can change anything with Me, nor can anyone lie here, because I know all things. According to this, the reference is to the statement of the qareen: «مَاۤاَطْغَيْتُهٗ » "I did not make him rebellious." (Al-Tasheel) That is, here neither the criminal's lie can prevail nor his qareen's; both are "stubborn disbelievers," and whoever is a "stubborn disbeliever" will be cast into Hell.
➋ { وَمَاۤاَنَابِظَلَّامٍلِّلْعَبِيْدِ:} That is, if I had not informed you beforehand and then cast you into Hell, it would have been a severe injustice, which I would never do to My servants. See also Surah Al-Imran (182) and Surah Al-Hajj (10).
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan — Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Tafsir Ahsan al-Bayan is a well-known Quran commentary by Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. This tafsir explains the meanings of the Quran in accordance with the methodology of the Salaf (early righteous generations), relying on authentic sources and straightforward language. Due to its reliability and adherence to sound Islamic scholarship, the Saudi government publishes and distributes this tafsir among the Hujjaj (pilgrims) visiting the Haramain. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
29. 1 That is, the promises I made will not be broken, rather they will be fulfilled in every case, and according to this principle, the decision of punishment has been made for you from My side, in which there can be no change.
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran — Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani
Tafsir Taiseer ul-Quran (Facilitation of the Quran) is a comprehensive Quran commentary by Maulana Abdul Rahman Kilani, a renowned Salafi (Ahl al-Hadith) scholar from Pakistan. Known for his eloquent and accessible writing style, Kilani authored this tafsir with a focus on clarity — making Quranic meanings understandable to the common reader. The tafsir provides detailed historical context for verses related to battles and expeditions, and firmly refutes modernist ideologies using strong scriptural evidence. It is widely regarded as an invaluable resource for understanding the Quran and countering deviant interpretations. The tafsir is originally written in Urdu, translated to English by tohed.com.
29. My word cannot be changed [34] in My presence, and I am not unjust to My servants.
[34] The Dispute Between the Obedient and the Obeyed on the Day of Judgment:
That is, the criminal and his satanic companion will argue before Allah Almighty in order to minimize their own crime. The criminal will say that the real cause of his misguidance was his satanic companion. And the Satan will say that he had no power over him. He himself was averse to the straight path and criminal at heart. He only cast a whisper into his heart, which he was already prepared to accept. Allah Almighty will say that now there is no benefit in arguing and disputing here, because I have already announced My decision to you: just as the one who goes astray is a criminal and destined for Hell, so too is the one who leads astray a criminal and destined for Hell. And this is a decision of Mine in which there can be no change, and since He had already warned them of this decision, by not accepting My word, you have wronged yourselves; I do not wrong My servants.